Leonard's fans stand up to the feds

Lake Front - COMMENTARY

June 24, 2009|By Lauren Ritchie, Sentinel Columnist

Reaction to Eustis activist Leonard Wheeler being intimidated by Homeland Security officers split sometimes along generational lines - but public officials in Lake uniformly understood how important it is to listen to a variety of people, even those whose opinions seem a little wild.

Too bad officials at the Social Security Administration don't get it. They were annoyed by Wheeler, whose e-mails often are laced with loud rhetoric and threats of lawsuits. So they sent federal agents to tell him to stop e-mailing Mary Ann Sloan, the chief regional counsel for the Social Security Administration in Atlanta.

Several people who read my Sunday column thought Wheeler ought to be shut down. To those people, I can only say: Take a class in American civics. Free speech is one of the pillars on which this country is founded. Free speech also includes speech that annoys you.Those who don't understand the concept should spend a little time in, say, North Korea.

The first note comes from Tavares Mayor Nancy Clutts, whose father uses the Internet to let loose what she calls his "passionate rants." .

"During a family conversation we discussed the 'what ifs' that your column about Leonard turned into a reality. I appreciated that you pointed out that local officials regularly receive e-mail from the Leonards of our community. Many of us respond and often meet with them.

"Like Leonard, my dad is of the generation that has witnessed much and really understands how good we have it. They are not willing to sit idly by and watch it disappear. At the heart of what they communicate is their unabashedly passionate desire to protect our freedoms. .

"Your column inspired me to take action with more than just a Father's Day card or a phone call. Instead, I've communicated my appreciation to my dad for engaging rather than my typical, 'Oh boy, there he goes again.' My dad rocks! .

"I appreciate his willingness to boldly communicate and to regularly donate his time and his talents to make Lake County a better place." .

Here's a sample of other reactions to Wheeler's visit from armed officers: . .

Leonard epitomizes the squeaky wheel with a different bent. He throws fact, statistics, laws and depraved humor into his e-mail demands for action on behalf of whatever issue is the angst of his day. I can't help but appreciate Leonard - he has always had a thirst for justice and for protecting the underdog. Leonard just wants to see government following its own rules or - God forbid - being proactive to solve problems. .

About three Christmas Eves ago, Leonard, who knows I'm a social worker, e-mailed me about a friend who had fallen on hard times. He asked for a small amount of my time and a single phone call to help the lady some with resources. .

I ended up talking to her for about an hour. We talked about several resources for food, clothing, shelter and employment. She needed someone to listen to her. Leonard gave me a gift that Christmas Eve by allowing me to help out a stranger in need. That was when I learned that Leonard was much more than a quick witted e-mailer with an ax to grind with government. .

-CINDY BARROW.

LAKE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER.

Conduct such as Wheeler's does make it difficult for public officials to get their assigned work done. Do we really want to sound approving of such conduct, even when it is done within the bounds of the law? .

However, the important thrust of the article was the nature of the response by government officials. I agree that it is very important for the public to know how government resources are used, especially those intended for Homeland Security. I wonder if your article has caused anyone to feel threatened. .

Before you published the column, did you think about the possibility you may be getting a visit from the feds soon? And have you considered reviewing your tax returns for the last 20 years? .

-JIM KOLL.

FORT DODGE, IOWA.

And finally, from County Commissioner Elaine Renick comes a message to Wheeler: .

"Obviously, this Ms. Sloan doesn't like you as much as I do! I appreciate your input. Keep up the good work!"